Telleraga Road Rest Area, Moree
The Telleraga Road Rest Area is a basic and convenient free camping spot located on the Gwydir Highway, a short distance west of the major regional hub of Moree in New South Wales. This site serves as a practical stopover for travellers exploring the agricultural heartland of the Moree Plains Shire or making the long journey across the state. It is a simple, unsealed pull-off area, set back from the highway and surrounded by open bushland, offering a relatively quiet and peaceful environment for a short break or an overnight rest. While it is a no-frills location, its value lies in its accessibility and proximity to Moree, the artesian spa capital of Australia.
This is a primitive rest area suitable for fully self-contained vehicles such as caravans, motorhomes, and campervans. There are no amenities on site – no toilets, no water, no power, and no rubbish bins – so visitors must be prepared to be entirely self-sufficient and practice a strict “leave no trace” ethos. The large, open dirt and gravel area provides ample room for big rigs to manoeuvre and park. The rest area’s key advantage is being less than a 50-kilometre drive from Moree. This allows travellers to use it as a staging point before heading into town to experience the famous Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre , resupply at the supermarkets, refuel, or enjoy a meal at one of the local pubs or cafes. For those on a budget, it’s a smart way to explore the region without incurring caravan park fees.
Telleraga Road Rest Area – NSW Location Map
Name: Telleraga Road Rest Area
Address: Gwydir Highway, Moree NSW 2400, Australia
GPS Coordinates: -29.56255, 149.39533
Site Information
- Location: On the Gwydir Highway (B76), approximately 45km west of Moree.
- Site Suitable For: All vehicle types, including large big rigs.
- Road Access: Sealed highway access to a dirt entry track.
- Site Surface: Dirt and gravel. Can become muddy after heavy rain.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, informal free camping for self-contained vehicles is accepted.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Not specified, 24-hour stay recommended.
- Picnic Tables: Yes
- Potable Water: Not available.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Limited and unreliable. A booster would be beneficial.
- TV Reception: Poor to non-existent without a satellite dish.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
- Ullage / Dump Point: Not available onsite.
- Drive Through: No, large open area for easy turning.
- Rubbish Bins: Not available. All rubbish must be taken with you.
- Open Fires: Strictly prohibited due to high fire risk.
- Generator Use: Permitted, please be considerate of others.
- Number of Sites Available: Large unmarked area with plenty of space.
- Essentials to Bring: All drinking water, own toilet/shower facilities, power, food supplies.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted on a leash.
- Fishing: Possible in the nearby Gwydir River system. A NSW fishing licence is required.
- Short Walks: Informal walks in the surrounding bushland.
Local Amenities (in Moree, approx. 45km east)
Pubs & Eateries
- The Royal Hotel Moree: Heber Street, Moree.
- The Post Office Hotel: Albert Street, Moree.
- Amaroo Tavern: Frome Street, Moree.
- Moree offers a full range of services including major supermarkets, bakeries, cafes, and fast-food outlets.
Local Attractions
- Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre: Famous for its naturally hot, mineral-rich artesian pools.
- Moree Plains Gallery: Showcasing a significant collection of Aboriginal art.
- Rocket Park: A popular park and playground for families in the centre of town.
Caravanning & Camping Supplies
- Nearest Caravan Parks: Gwydir Carapark & Thermal Pools, Mehi River Van Park, and several others in Moree.
- Next Free Camps: Various small rest areas along the Gwydir and Newell Highways.
- Nearest Dump Points: A public dump point is located at the Moree Visitor Information Centre.
- Nearest Petrol Station: Multiple major brand service stations are available in Moree.
- Drinking Water Resupply: Available at service stations or the Visitor Information Centre in Moree.
- Nearest Public Toilets: Numerous public toilet facilities are available throughout the town of Moree.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
The Moree region has a subtropical climate with distinct seasons. Summers are long and very hot, with high humidity and temperatures often reaching the high 30s or low 40s Celsius. This period can also bring thunderstorms. Winters are mild and generally dry with sunny days, but nights can be cool to cold with occasional frost. Autumn and spring provide the most pleasant weather for travel, with warm days and mild nights. The area is known for its rich black soil, which can become very sticky and difficult to drive on after rain.